Member Area Resources - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Financial Assistance

Page Reviewed: 9 July 2020

 

On 29 March 2020, the Australian Government launched a WhatsApp message service to help people access timely information. To access this click here and then click ‘send.’ You will then receive a message from the Australian Government’s WhatsApp Channel and you can select what topics you would like more information on. There is also a coronavirus app for the Apple app platform and Android, and the government is encouraging anyone with a phone to download the app.  

For an overview of grants and support in your state or territory, click here.

Claiming Working from Home Expenses 'The Working from Home Shortcut' - Australian Taxation Office

  • In another example of “novel times call for novel responses”, please see attached announcements from the Government and the ATO regarding special arrangements this year due to COVID-19 to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home.

    The new “shortcut method” will allow people to claim a tax deduction at the rate of 80 cents per hour for all their running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses. Taxpayers will be required to keep a record of the number of hours worked from home.

    These arrangements have been put in place for expenses incurred between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. The matter will be revisited after 30 June 2020 in respect of the following financial year.

    See ATO media release here. See Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer media release here.

JobKeeper Program - Supporting Businesses to Retain Jobs

  • The most up to date information about the JobKeeper is available on the Australian Taxation Office website here.

  • JobKeeper Payment - The JobKeeper payment is intended to provide wage subsidies to businesses that are significantly affected by COVID-19. The Government has announced its intention to pass additional legislation to introduce this new measure. If legislation is enacted, support will be directed to employers to pass on to employees.

    Register for JobKeeper Updates here.

    Australian Treasury has stated:

    The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment to help keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the significant economic impact caused by the Coronavirus. Around 6 million workers will receive a fortnightly payment of $1,500 (before tax) through their employer.

    The payment ensures eligible employers remain connected to their workforce and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over.

You can also find information about the JobKeeper Payment for Employers and Employees on the Business Australian website, here.

Cashflow Assistance Package

The Australian Government has said they will provide cash flow assistance for businesses and deliver support for business investment during the Coronavirus health crisis.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW HELPFUL FACT SHEET ON CASHFLOW ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS.

Other Financial Assistance Updates

  • On 30th March 2020, the Australian Government announced a new wage subsidy that will apply to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax. Read the details in the Prime Minister’s media release here and the transcript from the press conference here. 

  • On 29 March 2020, the Australian Government announced that states and territories will be moving to put a moratorium on evictions of persons as a result of financial distress if they are unable to meet their commitments. Read more in Prime Minister’s media release here and the transcript of the press conference here.

  • On 29 March 2020, the Australian Government announced further levels of support, including mental health support and stated that the government will be moving toward further income support. Read the transcript from the press conference here. 

  • On the 22 March 2020, the Australian Government released the second stage of its economic plan. Read the press release here. You can also read the Prime Minister’s statement about this on the 23 March 2020 here. As part of the available support, the Government has waived the 'assets test' for the Jobseeker Payment. This is important for tourism/outdoor owner-operators because the value of your personal or business assets will not prevent you from accessing Jobseeker Payments or reduce those payments. You will still need to meet the ‘income test’. For more information, view the Income Support for Individuals fact sheet here.

  • On 19 March 2020 the Australian Government and the RBA pledged over $100 billion in support to enable lending to small businesses. Read the transcript from the press conference here. 

  • On 18 March 2020 the Reserve Bank of Australia announced a package to support the Australian economy. To understand the details, read the Statement from Philip Lowe, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision, Reserve Bank Australia here.
     

NSW

  • On 3 April 2020, the NSW government announced a third wave of support measures to support small businesses. Read the NSW Premier media release about the support here. 

  • $10,000 GRANTS FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESS - Thousands of small businesses acrross NSW struggling to cope with the COVID-19 shutdown will recieve grants of up to $10,000 under a new assistance scheme announced today (3 March 2020) by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrotter and Minister for Finance and Small Business Damian Tuedhope. Find out more.

  • On 27 March 2020, the NSW government announced the second stage of its economic package. Read the details in the government’s media release here. 
  • On 24 March 2020, the NSW government passed changes to long service leave which will create greater flexibility for employers and employees to access leave during the COVID-19 crisis. Read about the changes here.
  • 17 March 2020, the NSW government announced a COVID-19 package, including support to businesses. Including:
    • $450 million for the waiver of payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months (the rest of 2019-20). This means these businesses will save a quarter of their annual payroll tax bill in 2019-20.
    • $56 million to bring forward the next round of payroll tax cuts by raising the threshold limit to $1 million in 2020-21

  • The NSW Small Business Commissioner is also providing advice to small businesses on their website here.
     

QLD

 

WA

  • On 27 March 2020, the Western Australian government announced a new program to support jobs and fill labour shortages in the agriculture and food industry. Read the details in the government’s media release here.
  • On 16 March 2020, the Western Australian government announced their COVID-19 economic response, including relief for businesses. As part of this, Payroll tax paying businesses with a payroll between $1 million and $4 million will receive a one-off grant of $17,500 to assist them to manage the impacts of COVID-19. Small and medium sized businesses affected by COVID-19 can also now apply to defer payment of their 2019-20 payroll tax until July 21, 2020.
     

SA 

  • April 2020 - 

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impact on local businesses, industry sectors and jobs, the South Australian Government has announced a second economic stimulus package – the Jobs Rescue Package, worth $650 million – that will provide immediate financial support and relief to those most affected.

    Within the Jobs Rescue Package, there are a range of measures that will provide support for workers, individual businesses and industry sectors, community organisations, sporting clubs, arts, cultural, community and recreational bodies as well as non-government organisations experiencing financial hardship and other impacts caused by restrictions enforced to limit the spread of the disease.

    Two new funds have been established to support business, jobs and community organisations:

    • A $300 million Business and Jobs Support Fund; and
    • A $250 million Community and Jobs Support Fund.

The top priority for the Funds is the ongoing survival of entities and minimising job losses.  At this time, it is not proposed that the Funds would be available to assist expansion opportunities or new activities or events.

  • April 2020 - SA Small Businesses offered $10K emergency cash grants - Small businesses and not-for-profit entities that employ South Australians who have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant to support the operation of their business.
    FIND OUT MORE HERE.
     
  • On 26 March 2020, the South Australian government announced the details of its second economic stimulus package, which includes a Community and Jobs Support Fund. Community organisations, such as sporting, arts and recreational bodies, non-profit organisations and some other industry sectors will be assisted through the new Community and Jobs Support Fund. Read the government’s media release here.
  • The South Australian government announced their stimulus package on 11 March 2020, including infrastructure maintenance projects for roads and other upgrades to support the economy. BusinessSA is urging the government to also consider temporary payroll tax relief.

  • The South Australian government has launched the Parks 2025 plan, which will see $22 million injected into nature-based tourism. This includes a Nature-Based Co-investment Fund of $5 million to help businesses to activate sustainable and ecological tourism experiences and products.


TAS

VIC

  • 9 July 2020

    Restricted Postcodes Business Support Program - $5,000 grant to help businesses through temporary coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns. Find out more here.

  • On 1 April 2020, the Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaclyn Symes launched a $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan, which plans to match workers who have lost their jobs with employers in the agriculture sector. Read the Victorian Premier’s media release here.
  • City of Melbourne COVID-19 Business Grants (view more here)- 

    As part of our economic support package for city businesses, we’re offering $5 million in grants for small to medium sized businesses and non-profit organisations to invest in online and e-commerce capabilities, take part in training and professional development, and undertake capital works.

    Grants include:

    • Up to $5000 for investing in online and e-commerce activities.
    • Up to $2000 for training and professional development.
    • Up to $10,000 for capital works projects (matching dollar-for-dollar) to adapt to changing conditions.

    • COVID-19 is testing us all – and part of our response must be to innovate. These new grants could be used to undertake online learning and webinars, purchase hardware and software, develop websites and e-commerce, or boost digital marketing.  

      Applications are open now. Eligible businesses and non-profit organisations can apply online. 

      To discuss your situation, or if you have any questions, contact our COVID-19 Business Concierge Hotline on 03 9658 9658 (press 1 for business).

  • VIC - Business Support Fund (upto $10,000 Grants) - as part of the package below, funding of $10,000 per business is available and will be allocated through a grant process. Find our more here.
    APPLICATIONS CLOSE Friday 1 June 2020
     
  • $500 million support package for Victorian workers impacted by COVID-19 - 

    For support for small businesses visit Business Victoria.

    As part of the $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package, the Victorian Government has announced a $500 million package to assist people who have lost their jobs at this difficult time.

    Under the Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work. This presents opportunities for paid work and an opportunity to contribute to Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community.

    Some displaced workers will have skills that can be readily transferred to new roles. The Government can also assist skills development or help people in obtaining immediate accreditation to commence work.

    The Government will work across the public sector, local government, the not-for-profit sector and key private sector employers to facilitate job matching. Businesses that need workers can get in touch at business.vic.gov.au.

    To register your interest in receiving more information, please provide your contact details here.

  • On 22 March 2020, the Victorian government announced emergency relief packages for Victorians who are self-isolating due to coronavirus (COVID-19) with no access to food and essential supplies. Read the details here.

  • On 21 March 2020, the Victorian government announced its package to support businesses and jobs. Read the details here and register with Business Victoria to receive more details on the program.

  • Melbourne City Council - 18 March 2020, Melbourne City Council announced a $10 million stimulus package aimed at supporting small businesses. View statement here.

Tourism Industry Councils

National

  • Tourism Australia is providing advice about available support here.
     

VIC

  • The Victorian Tourism Industry Council are waiving membership fees for In the Loop and Essentials memberships until 31 December 2020. Contact a member of VTIC’s team on 03 8662 5333 or membership@vtic.com.au and they’ll assist you with your free membership. View the Chief Executive’s Coronavirus Member Updates here.

 

SA

  • The SA Tourism Industry Council - As of 17 March 2020, the SA Tourism Industry Council were finalising a State Government Stimulus Submission and working on a State Budget Submission that proposes an additional $40 million per annum across three key areas; product development, business events & incentives and marketing partnerships. Read more here. 
  • The South Australian Tourism Commission is also providing advice here.
     

WA

  • Tourism Council WA and the Australian Tourism Industry Council are advocating on behalf of tourism businesses and seeking Federal relief to help sustain tourism businesses and employees in the form of financial assistance. Tourism Council WA are also seeking relief from State license fees, user fees, per-passenger fees and fixed costs for tourism businesses. See their letter to the Premier here.

Other support

  • The Australian Banking Association have listed financial hardship teams ready to assist you with financial arrangements here.
  • Business Australia has developed a Business Guide to Coronavirus that you can access here. 
  • Facebook is offering cash grants and ad grants for businesses. Find out more here.
  • The Australian Government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has released a guide to assist tourism businesses to prepare, respond and recover from a crisis. Access the guide here.

Assistance for Not-for-profits

  • COVID-19 Economic response for NFPs - click here for details.